John M. Emil Sr. was a tough-minded sergeant, but he has always had a tender heart.

The Air Force veteran from Dallas was inducted into the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center Hall of Fame on Thursday.

The honor is reserved for civic-minded veterans who have dedicated their time to public service.

"This is a big honor for me, something I never, ever dreamed of," said Mr. Emil, who served from 1965 to 1969 during the Vietnam era and spent many years committed to the American Legion.

The Hall of Fame dates back to the mid-1990s.

Mr. Emil, 65, joins more than 40 veterans whose names have been etched into a plaque hanging inside the veterans' center. The plaque is also adorned with the names of local veterans awarded the Medal of Honor, like Mr. Merli, Patrick DeLacey and Joseph Sarnoski.

Past hall inductees include former Scranton Mayor David J. Wenzel and Lackawanna County President Judge Thomas J. Munley, both Vietnam War veterans and long-time public servants.

"The intention is to honor veterans for their services to ... the community," said Thomas J. Dougherty, a member of the Hall of Fame's advisory council and fellow inductee.

Mr. Emil headed the American Legion's efforts to coordinate a high school writing contest, which can lead to scholarships. He is the American Legion's District 12 Commander, which oversees Luzerne County, and a member of Vietnam Veterans of America. He is well known for stopping by the VA Medical Center in Plains Twp. to cheer up veterans during the holidays.

Samuel Greenberg, advisory council president, joked that he hoped his fellow veteran and friend will bring his good heart to Lackawanna County.

"Maybe one of these days he will get a passport and come over," Mr. Greenberg said.

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